Total Eclipse of the Sun Travel Poster by John Held Jr., 1932

4.9 (84 recensioni)
Stampato e incorniciato in Australia
Consegna gratuita in 2–3 giorni
Resi entro 90 giorni · Garanzia di 10 anni
4.8/5 Eccellente
Opera dell’artista originale Mai generata dall’IA
ⓘ
Restaurata nel nostro laboratorio dall’opera originale del 1932 e stampata in qualità museale. Descrizione completa
Prezzo di listino $55 Prezzo scontato $44 20% di scontoRisparmi $11.00
/
Evita la corsa di Natale: ordina in anticipo Black Friday: 20% di sconto, oppure risparmia il 25% su 2 o più
ⓘ

Scegli il formato

Choose the size that suits your space — preview each option instantly.
Dimensione

Scegli la finitura

Finitura
Example of a rolled map in a tube Example of a rolled art print in a tube Example of a framed map, ready to hang Example of a framed art print, ready to hang Example of a framed canvas map, ready to hang Example of a framed canvas art print, ready to hang Example of a push pin map with pins in it Example of a framed push pin map with pins in it
Primo piano della mappa
(Maggiori informazioni)
Add a gift message or
custom finish
at checkout
Caricamento delle opzioni del prodotto…
Pagamento sicuro

  • Prodotto in Australia. Consegna sicura
  • Arriva perfetto, altrimenti lo sostituiamo
  • Consegna e regali di Natale
  • Serve aiuto per ordinare?

La scelta di collezionisti, designer e di chi cerca un regalo speciale

Oltre 8.000 recensioni a 5 stelle

John Held Jr.’s 1932 poster Total Eclipse of the Sun. Plan Now to Witness This Amazing Phenomenon. Travel by Train to Vacation...

John Held Jr.’s 1932 poster Total Eclipse of the Sun. Plan Now to Witness This Amazing Phenomenon. Travel by Train to Vacation Land turns an astronomical event into a spirited invitation to travel. A map of New England, crossed by the boldly marked path of the eclipse, anchors a lively arrangement of cartoon figures, celestial motifs and emphatic lettering. Deep blue dominates the design, sharpened by bursts of yellow, orange and red, while the promise of seeing “Night-time When It’s Day” gives the spectacle an irresistible theatricality.

Held was among the most recognisable American illustrators of the interwar period, particularly associated with witty images of flappers, collegians and modern social life. Here, his jaunty line and gift for caricature are enlisted for railway promotion rather than social satire. Produced during the Depression, the poster presents train travel as both practical transport and imaginative release: the journey leads not merely to a holiday region, but to the path of a rare natural phenomenon. Astronomy, tourism and popular entertainment meet in a design that makes scientific observation feel almost festive.

A closer look

The poster’s visual centre is the simplified map, its geographic outlines and neatly placed labels set against a strong field of blue. The route of the eclipse cuts across it as a clear graphic trajectory, allowing scientific information to function simultaneously as spectacle and directional device. Rather than using conventional perspective, Held layers map, text and figures across a largely flat surface. The eye moves rapidly between these elements, following the eclipse path as though it were itself a railway itinerary.

In the upper left, a man peers through a telescope amid celestial signs, giving the act of observation a comic immediacy. Across the composition, human reactions become as prominent as the eclipse itself. Dancing figures in period dress occupy the upper right, suggesting that this interruption of daylight is an occasion for collective celebration. At the lower left, another exaggerated character appears with dark glasses and a lantern: practical accessories for an eclipse transformed into the props of a cartoon performance.

The lower-right celestial face extends that humour into the heavens. Carefully drawn features personify the astronomical drama, while curved contours stand out against the poster’s crisp blocks of colour. Held uses very little tonal modelling; instead, black outlines and saturated accents establish hierarchy and movement. The large headline, “TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN”, commands the top of the sheet, while the longer appeal to “Plan Now” occupies the lower section. Information is therefore staged in descending order, from phenomenon to promise and finally to journey.

Context and significance

Travel posters of this period often sold more than a destination. Railways promoted landscapes, leisure and seasonal events as reasons to make a journey, and this design finds an unusually inventive subject in astronomy. Its map provides enough orientation to make the proposal credible, but Held’s animated figures prevent it from becoming a sober scientific diagram. The eclipse is presented as a public occasion—something to plan for, travel towards and witness in company.

The result is characteristic of Held’s ability to condense an era’s enthusiasms into instantly legible graphic form. Modern transport promises access; popular science supplies wonder; cartoon humour removes any hint of solemnity. Even the phrase “vacation land” remains deliberately expansive, making the celestial event itself the true destination. Few travel posters unite geography and the heavens with such cheerful economy.

Choosing the right size and finish

Artwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.

If you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, ask our workshop for advice.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. See examples of personalised artwork.

Choose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. See examples of our Aged artwork.

Every piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.

Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.

Selected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and specialist framing are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, contact our workshop.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.

Molte delle nostre mappe e stampe d’arte vengono scelte come regali premurosi per case, uffici, studi e luoghi significativi.

Scegli un’opzione incorniciata per il regalo più semplice, pronto da appendere, oppure scegli una stampa non incorniciata se il destinatario preferisce selezionare la propria cornice.

Realizziamo gli ordini localmente in 23 paesi in tutto il mondo, così i regali possono spesso essere prodotti vicino al destinatario. Questo li aiuta ad arrivare più rapidamente, a viaggiare in maggiore sicurezza e a evitare sorprese legate a dazi doganali o di importazione.

  • Possiamo consegnare direttamente al destinatario
  • I pezzi incorniciati arrivano pronti da appendere
  • Le stampe non incorniciate sono accuratamente imballate in un robusto tubo protettivo
  • Quasi ogni ordine viene realizzato localmente, per regali più rapidi e sicuri
  • Il reso entro 90 giorni dà al destinatario il tempo di decidere

Se non sei sicuro di cosa scegliere, ti invitiamo a contattarci. Possiamo aiutarti a scegliere la mappa, il formato, la finitura o l’opzione di consegna più adatti.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 24 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

Lavoriamo con interior designer, realtà del settore hospitality, professionisti del settore immobiliare, uffici e acquirenti aziendali per singoli pezzi e progetti coordinati di più ampia portata.

Quest'opera può essere adattata a una specifica parete, stanza o progetto e il nostro laboratorio può aiutare a coordinare dimensioni, materiale e incorniciatura prima della produzione.

  • Dimensioni precise, extra-large e su misura
  • Incorniciatura personalizzata, montaggio e materiali alternativi
  • Pezzi coordinati per più stanze o sedi
  • Personalizzazione dell'opera, per regolarne il colore e lo stile
  • Consulenza su arte e incorniciatura da parte del nostro laboratorio
  • Produzione locale per progetti in tutto il mondo

Parla di quest'opera con il nostro team Trade & Projects

Ogni stampa artistica restaurata inizia dall’opera originale dell’artista—mai da una sostituzione generata dall’IA.

Il nostro studio di Londra lavora a partire da materiali di origine accuratamente selezionati da musei, biblioteche, archivi e collezioni private. Restauriamo i danni dovuti all’età, i colori sbiaditi e le imperfezioni di riproduzione, preservando al contempo la composizione, il tratto del pennello, il segno, la texture e il carattere d’epoca dell’artista.

Non utilizziamo l’IA generativa per ridisegnare, reinterpretare o inventare l’opera. Il restauro digitale viene impiegato solo per recuperare e riprodurre l’opera originale nel modo più fedele possibile.

Una volta restaurata, l’opera master viene preparata per il formato e la finitura da te scelti. Il tuo pezzo viene quindi stampato e, se selezionato, incorniciato vicino alla destinazione di consegna.

Le nostre stampe artistiche giclée utilizzano carta opaca archivistica senza acidi da 200 g/m² e inchiostri pigmentati resistenti allo sbiadimento, per una finitura ricca e di qualità museale. Le stampe artistiche incorniciate utilizzano acrilico ottico cristallino e arrivano pronte da appendere.

Sono disponibili anche tele incorniciate ed edizioni speciali su cotone-rag. Scopri di più sui nostri materiali e finiture.

Scopri di più su The Unique Maps Co.

Restauriamo e produciamo mappe e stampe d’arte dal 1984, e garantiamo personalmente ogni pezzo.

Ogni ordine è coperto dalla nostra garanzia di 10 anni e dalla garanzia di consegna senza danni. Se il vostro pezzo arriva danneggiato, lo sostituiremo o lo rifaremo gratuitamente. Se qualsiasi altro aspetto non fosse conforme, contattate il nostro team di laboratorio e provvederemo tempestivamente a risolvere il problema.

Per tutti i dettagli, consultate la nostra politica su resi e rimborsi.